11 Food Dos and Don’ts to Tame Inflammation

Keep It Simple Although no diet is proven to cure or treat psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions, you can choose foods that will help with it. Go for items that haven’t been highly processed. You want ones that are still close to their natural state.

DON’T Avoid Nightshade Vegetables Tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers, and eggplants are sometimes called “nightshade” veggies. Some holistic health practitioners say they fuel inflammatory diseases, like arthritis and lupus. But there’s no proof of that. Take tomatoes, for example. They have lycopene and vitamin C that help curb inflammation. Chili peppers also have benefits.

DO Get Spicy Paprika belongs in your spice rack. It lends flavor, color, and health perks to food. It’s got capsaicin, a natural pain and inflammation fighter. You can also get capsaicin from chili peppers, red peppers, and cayenne pepper. Other spices like ginger, turmeric, and garlic may offer similar health perks.

DO Look Beyond Refined Starches Foods like white rice and white bread don’t have much fiber. To keep inflammation at bay, go with whole grains or whole wheat. You’ll get lots of other nutrients, too.